Arfaj description

A dwarf shrub with spherical foliage and beautiful, large, yellow-brown inflorescences, the arfaj, the national flower of Kuwait, grows in arid regions of the Middle East (2)(3)(4). The leaves are small and narrow, and the slender, hairless branches, which appear reflective during the dry season, arise from the base of the shrub. This attractive plant is a member of the daisy family, which is probably the largest flowering plant family, with more than 25,000 species worldwide (5). As is typical of plants in this family, the arfaj fruit, which contains six to eight seeds, is hard and dry and dispersed by the wind (6).

Related species

Arfaj biology

Adapted to arid environments that experience periodic drought and rainfall events, the arfaj has a highly specialised mode of reproduction that is heavily influenced by the local climate. Flowering takes place in spring, approximately April to May, shortly before leaf development is complete. The large, brightly coloured inflorescences serve to attract pollinating insects and birds to the plant, and at the end of spring the fruit is produced. The fruit may be dispersed short distances by wind or longer distances by herbivorous mammals, and it remains dormant underground for the duration of summer (2). Those seeds that survived predation germinate at the onset of the rainy season (4). This, however, requires the fruit to be positioned in the ground with the basal part facing downwards, and those fruits not positioned in such a manner may not germinate and instead remain dormant, yet viable, in the ground for as long as four years or more (2). Germination also only takes place in years with individual rain events exceeding 30 millimetres (9).

Species found in a similar habitat

Arfaj status

Arfaj threats

The dwarf shrub communities in which the arfaj occurs are of huge conservation importance as they represent a unique, transitional ecosystem between desert and semi-desert vegetation that is highly sensitive to human-alteration of the landscape (2). Yet, despite their importance, many floral communities in the region are seriously threatened by desertification caused by livestock overgrazing, construction work, and habitat degradation from off-road driving and camping activities (8). The arfaj has been particularly severely affected by livestock overgrazing as it is a highly palatable plant and, as a result, it is now often only possible to find flowering plants in protected areas (4). It was also eradicated in many areas that were inundated with oil during wartimes (2).

Arfaj conservation

As an important forage species for livestock, the conservation of the arfaj is crucial for the sustainability of local communities and their livelihoods, as well as for the survival of a unique floral ecosystem. Fortunately, it has been observed that in favourable habitat, if grazing is controlled, the arfaj can quickly regenerate (2). Where it has been afforded protection from such pressures, populations have increased. After several years of protection from grazing, the vegetation at the Sabriya Oilfield in Kuwait quickly recovered from previous declines (8), while at an experimental area in eastern Saudi Arabia, 14 years of protection resulted in increases in plant cover and diversity (10). As such, protecting the arfaj from grazing pressures is paramount in ensuring its preservation for the future (2).

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Authentication

Glossary

The beginning of growth, usually following a period of dormancy and in response to favourable conditions. For example, the sprouting of a seedling from a seed.

Herbivorous

Having a diet that comprises only vegetable matter.

Inflorescence

The reproductive shoot of a plant, which bears a group or cluster of flowers.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen grains from the stamen (male part of a flower) to the stigma (female part of a flower) of a flowering plant. This usually leads to fertilisation, the development of seeds and, eventually, a new plant.

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